These 13 photos of US troops with enemy flags show that some traditions never die

A military unit losing its colors is pretty humiliating — maybe even as bad as losing a battle. But it probably feels pretty good to be the one who captures those colors. And American troops have captured a lot of enemy flags over the years.

While the Geneva Convention demands all POWs be allowed to keep their personal belongings and protective gear, a "war trophy" like a captured flag doesn't really apply.

But even if troops decide not keep trophies like an enemy flag, that doesn't mean they can't snap a quick photo - just as many have before and will likely do for many wars to come.

There are, of course, many other photos of American troops with captured enemy flags that we can't post here. There are photos depicting joint US-Afghan forces taking down a Taliban flag. Photographer Scott Nelson also took a photo of US troops with a captured Iraqi flag during the 2003 Invasion.

If you do decide take a battlefield souvenir, be sure to fill out your DD Form 603-1.